Never noticed this thread, probably to late to join in but I just started today. 180 lbs, mostly gut. I'd like to get down to 170 but replace the gut with muscle.

What do you mean by 'replace the gut with muscle'? Losing fat and building new muscle at the same time is almost impossible unless you are either a beginner to lifting, or have assistance from drugs. It's a pretty simple formula, calories in vs calories out. Calories in < calories out, you lose weight, and vice versa. The one constant in your diet needs to be protein. The other macros you adjust depending on how active you are. Sedentary desk job, not much lifting, then lower the carbs and up the dietary fat. If you work out and lift a lot, lower the fat and increase carbs as your body cannot build new muscle in the absence of insulin. Its the body's most anabolic hormone next to testosterone and to avoid it while lifting is retarded.